The day fans out with a tea ceremony, with martial arts and floral demonstrations, with classical Japanese Dance and then the sharp beating of the San Jose Taiko drums.

That's but a part of the route of the 2014 Salinas Obon Festival. The free-admission family event begins noon Sunday at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas, 14 California St.

"The Obon Festival is our most important fundraiser of the year," said Alesia Uchida, festival spokesperson. "It's also our 'Open House,' where we showcase our temple and its activities."

Obon is celebrated across America. It is a time to honor one's departed family members but also to celebrate all things Japanese, Uchida said. Last year, 3,000 attended. This year, the number is expected to be about the same, said Uchida, who was raised in the temple.

Food and entertainment plus a curiosity about Obon and its meaning will pave the way to an enjoyable day, she said.

Tempura, sushi, shish kabob, chicken box lunches, "udon," or Japanese noodles, hot dogs and pastries, soda and water, sake and beer — the day's menu is a long one.

"Games for the little ones, a big raffle at the end," Uchida said. "We also try to recruit, because we're short on church members. Many are getting older."

High school students help out by fulfilling the volunteering community hours they'll need for graduation.

As with many Japanese customs, Obon, springs from a long and noble history.

In ancient times, for example, Japanese Buddhists would build a large hilltop fire. Its glowing flames would flare into the sky, signaling a family's ancestors to join them in midsummer.

"During this time, we gather with family and friends to celebrate the spirit of this reunion," temple material says. "Obon dance is the expression of joy we feel when we meet many friends as well as ancestors. The festival culminates in the joyful "odori" dances meant to commemorate the ancestor's release from suffering.

"The important thing is we all become one in the Obon Dance, which is the wish of all the ancestors," Uchida said.

Obon also acts as an introduction of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism to those unfamiliar with it, she said.

Among the day's festivities:

12 p.m.: Obon Festival begins.

12:30 p.m.: Tea Ceremony.

1 p.m.: Shorinji-Kempo.

1:30 p.m.: Introduction to the Temple.

2 p.m.: Ikebana Floral Demonstra

tion.

2:30 p.m.: Kendo Demonstration.

3 p.m.: Classical Japanese Dance,

Karaoke.

3 p.m.: Bonsai Demonstration.

4 p.m.: San Jose Taiko Performance.

5:30 p.m.: Obon Service.

6 p.m.: Obon Odori Dance.

7 p.m.: Raffle Drawing.

8 p.m.: Obon Festival Ends.

Plus all-day floral displays, food sales, Japanese crafts, games for children and more.

To attend

The Obon Festival is noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 27, at The Buddhist Temple of Salinas, 14 California St. A shuttle is available from Salinas Adult School, 20 Sherwood Drive.

Admission is free. Events and activities include martial arts, Japanese food, San Jose Taiko, Bonsai display, tea ceremony and games and raffle. For more, call 424-4105. Or go to www.BTSalinas.org